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The Richardson Health Department has scheduled two days this week to spray portions of the city in order to lower mosquito populations and help prevent the spread of the West Nile virus. The spraying events have been scheduled due to a confirmed positive test result of a person infected with the West Nile virus. The new finding brings the total confirmed human cases in Richardson to 12. Further spraying may occur later this week dependent on future test results.

Weather permitting, the spraying will occur according to the following schedule (map provided below):

*Spraying events begin at 10 p.m. with the goal of ending by 3 a.m., though they may run until 4:30 a.m. depending upon the size of the spray area.
**Due to recent increases in the incidents of finding the West Nile virus in people and mosquito traps, targeted neighborhoods are now being sprayed twice.

If wind speeds of greater than 10 miles per hour are sustained, Health Department staff may postpone spraying until weather conditions are more favorable.

How Spraying Locations Are Chosen
The Richardson Health Department schedules mosquito sprayings based on positive findings of West Nile in mosquito traps placed around the city or if a human case is confirmed. Once located, the area around the positive finding is targeted for spraying in an attempt to help limit the spread of the disease. Due to recent increases in the incidents of finding the West Nile virus in people and mosquito traps, targeted neighborhoods are now being sprayed twice. However, spraying is only a measure to help limit exposure, and health workers urge people to maintain vigilance in protecting themselves when going outside.

When Spraying Occurs
Richardson schedules spraying events during overnight hours to limit exposure to people who may wish to avoid contact with the pesticide used to control mosquito populations. Spraying events begin at 10 p.m. with the goal of ending by 3 a.m., though they may run until 4:30 a.m. depending upon the size of the spray area. In order to minimize human exposure, the Health Department typically does not schedule spraying events on Friday, Saturday or Sunday; however, due to recent increases in the findings of the West Nile virus, the Richardson Health Department will spray on weekends as needed.

Spraying Is One Part Of Protection Plan
Spraying to control the population of mosquitoes and the spread of the West Nile virus is a last resort, and is part of a comprehensive plan the Richardson Health Department follows to control the mosquito population. Other activities include: continuous monitoring of mosquito test pool results, using larvicide along creeks and other stagnant bodies of water to prevent mosquito eggs from developing into adults, monitoring and notification in neighborhoods where potential mosquito breeding areas are discovered, and public education efforts through mass communications channels.

(Map of Richardson mosquito testing sites.)

How To Protect Yourself
To protect from mosquito bites, people are asked to follow the Four D’s of protection:

DRAIN standing water around the home,

Use insect repellent containing DEET,

Avoid being outdoors at DUSK and DAWN when mosquitoes are most active,

And DRESS to protect yourself with long sleeves and pants to reduce skin exposure.

More on the West Nile Virus

The West Nile virus is transmitted by a bite from an infected mosquito that's already carrying the virus, but not all mosquitoes are capable of carrying or transmitting the disease. In North Texas, the risk of being bitten by an infected mosquito is greatest from July to October. Not everyone who gets bitten by an infected mosquito will get the virus, and it's rare for people to become very sick if they do develop symptoms from the disease.

Symptoms of West Nile virus vary depending upon the person who becomes infected. People who do develop symptoms usually suffer from mild "flu-like" illness. Rarely, symptoms may require medical care or hospitalization. The people who are most susceptible to the disease are the very young, the very old and those with weakened immune systems.